Citrine is just one of those minerals that should be in every collection. It’s gorgeous, iconic, and according to metaphysics is said to bring about wealth. Anything that might swell your bank account is definitely worth having around. It is a yellow-to-golden member of the quartz mineral group, and its name comes from the Old French word for lemon. I wonder why they made that association…

It forms deep in the Earth when silica-rich fluids slowly crystallize into quartz inside cracks in rocks, veins, or geodes. Tiny traces of iron get trapped in the crystal as it grows. When that iron-bearing quartz is exposed to natural heat from nearby magma or geothermal activity, the iron changes and gives the crystal its yellow to golden color. A lot of “right place at the right time” goes into the creation of citrine.

Not only are people today smitten with citrine, but it has also been a popular decorative gemstone since ancient times. Ancient Greeks used it in jewelry and carved it into ornamental pieces as early as 300 to 150 BC. The Romans also carved citrine using intaglio techniques, where designs or symbols were engraved into the gemstone for rings and seals. Ancient Egyptians believed citrine had protective and calming properties and used it as talismans or amulets. Between 300 and 150 BC, citrine was also found on the handles of swords and daggers in Scotland. Apparently everyone loved citrine, and honestly it’s not hard to see why. While it was likely added for decorative purposes, the stone was also considered protective by those ancient craftsmen. Today, citrine is known as the “merchant’s stone” and is associated with success and wealth. Again, a good thing to have around.

According to metaphysics, it is a joyful stone with bright energy that lights up many aspects of the lives of those who work with it. Its energies are often associated with good fortune and good luck. It is also, as mentioned above, associated with wealth and is said to bring about prosperity. Everyone could use some of that in their everyday lives.